Life & Work with Tracy Vu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Vu.

Hi Tracy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in Mesa, Arizona, I was one of the few Asian students in my elementary, middle school, and high school. I found it challenging to fit into the general population of students because I grew up with different cultures, customs, and social norms than the rest of my peers. My first language was not English, and not being able to fit in with kids your age was frustrating. Growing up, I was bullied a lot for being Asian and have received my fair share of racist remarks regarding my looks. As I got older, I realized that my traits and appearance set me apart from others and made me unique. I was thrown into modeling over time and meeting more people in the industry. At first, it was fun, like attending events to meet with friends. But slowly, more and more people started to book shoots and gigs, so I created a separate modeling account for fun. It got serious when I finished my first runway show. The adrenaline and thrill of the audience rewarded me with a dopamine boost that reminded me of the happiness I felt playing my violin at concerts and recitals throughout my primary school days. With support from the modeling community, friends, and family, I feel confident enough to continue down this path, which I hope will lead me somewhere rewarding. I have yet to see another model who looks like me.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
I’ve observed that there was a lack of Asian American representation in the state of Arizona and that the Asian community was generally underserved. On top of that, I’ve received criticism from my parents, who do not believe this career will take me anywhere meaningful. Facing scorn from your parents will always leave you discouraged, but I’ve been facing that all my life. I would not have gotten where I am now by obeying my parents’ instructions. I’m done with that now. I am my person and will do what brings me happiness, even if it is seen as a “small hobby.”

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a mix of subjects. In my spare time, I like to read and play violin. One of my passions was marine biology. I keep a large collection of ocean science-related information in my mind on the back burner, as this has been my interest for a long time. As I graduated from university, I began thinking more practically and logically. I do not live near an ocean, nor can I afford to live near one (at least at the moment). I started pursuing a different field of work: forensic sciences. I have always been curious about forensic pathology and trying to decipher how one passes from unnatural and unexpected causes. I’ve always had a deep interest in true crime and learning about how the world and its residents are not always as they seem. Currently, I am most proud of my accomplishments in my modeling career. Starting this year, I never would have thought I would be involved in multiple fashion shows and meet the people I have this year in the industry. Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn, maybe for the better, and that is fate’s way of guiding you in the right direction.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important thing I’ve learned in this journey is that closed mouths aren’t fed. You can not sit and expect things to come to you out of nowhere. You have to work for what you have. One of the most important pieces of advice I’ve gotten is that half the things in your life come when you show up.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/itsceceofficial
• Other: instagram.com/orchestea

Image Credits
denDekker Photos (Featured photo)
Creative Visual Images TFFAW Inc. Capture ‘n’ Shoot by Manish Mikevalenzangels